Cabella

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Cabella

Method of action: Antitussive

Treatment option: Cough

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Cabella

Cabella: What is it?

Property Description
Active ingredient Pentoxyverine (Citrate)
Form Syrup, Oral Drops, or Suppositories
Pharmacological class Non-opioid Central Acting Antitussive
General purpose Symptomatic relief of dry, non-productive cough
Origin Synthetic compound

Definition and Pharmacological Classification

Cabella is a commercial designation for medicinal products containing the active pharmaceutical ingredient Pentoxyverine, which is predominantly used as the salt Pentoxyverine citrate. This substance is formally classified as an antitussive agent under the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) code R05DB05. Pentoxyverine is defined as a recognized non-opioid central acting antitussive.

This classification is a key differentiating factor, signaling that it achieves its cough-suppressing effect through a mechanism chemically distinct from narcotic compounds like codeine. This distinction is clinically recognized as avoiding the risk of dependency associated with older, opioid-based cough remedies.

Composition, Origin, and Available Forms

The efficacy of Cabella relies on the synthetic chemical compound, Pentoxyverine, distinguishing it from botanically derived remedies. For patient administration, Pentoxyverine is most commonly provided in liquid oral preparations, such as a syrup or drops, designed for flexible delivery. The availability of liquid forms facilitates its typical use in providing relief from the disruptive cycle of a dry cough.

A significant feature of Pentoxyverine's identity is its availability as a single-component drug, although it is also included in certain combination products. These liquid forms utilize a base of water, sweeteners, and flavorings to facilitate effective delivery via the oral route of administration.

General Purpose and Principle of Action

The central purpose of Cabella is to provide effective symptomatic relief for the non-productive cough, specifically targeting the irritating, dry cough that yields no mucus. The drug is classified as central acting, meaning its mechanism works by dampening the sensitivity of the cough reflex center located in the brainstem. By reducing the activity of this central reflex, the medicine helps to control the frequency and intensity of the persistent urge to cough.

What side effects are possible with Cabella?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The regulatory safety profile for Cabella (Pentoxyverine) is structured around official classifications of adverse reactions, restrictions on use, and population-specific considerations.

Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

Side effects are categorized based on their observed frequency in clinical data, predominantly affecting the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract:

Classification System-Organ Class Affected Examples of Adverse Reactions
Common Gastrointestinal, Nervous System Upper abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, fatigue
Rare Skin, Immune System, Nervous System Allergic skin reactions (rashes, hives), angiooedema, convulsions, anaphylactic shock

The officially documented adverse reactions classified as rare include the serious events of anaphylactic shock and convulsions, as detailed in official prescribing information.

Safety Restrictions and Special Populations

Official labeling defines specific constraints where the medicine must not be used:

  • Respiratory Conditions: Use is restricted in individuals with bronchial asthma or other forms of respiratory insufficiency.
  • Ocular Conditions: Contraindicated in patients diagnosed with angle-closure glaucoma.
  • Cough Type: Not intended for use in the presence of extensive phlegm production or a productive cough.
  • Pediatrics and Pregnancy: The drug is formally restricted from use in children under two years of age and during pregnancy or lactation due to insufficient safety data.

This regulatory structure formally communicates the potential risks and the necessary limitations surrounding the use of the medicine.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Overdose of Cabella (Pentoxyverine) may result in severe manifestations that require immediate medical attention, as documented in official regulatory prescribing information. The clinical presentation is defined by two primary clusters of effects: central nervous system (CNS) toxicity and pronounced anticholinergic activity.

Documented Manifestations

Overdose may present with CNS effects such as drowsiness and agitation, alongside gastrointestinal effects, including nausea. A significant feature is the appearance of anticholinergic symptoms, which may include tachycardia (high heart rate), dry mouth, blurred vision, glaucoma, and urinary retention.

Required Emergency Actions

Immediate medical attention must be sought for any suspected overdosage. Urgent care is required when severe signs are noted, particularly concerning the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The most serious outcome documented is hypoventilation (depressed breathing), which is a specific risk factor noted for children.

Management Principles

According to regulatory statements, there is no specific antidote available for Pentoxyverine intoxication. Management is therefore limited to providing symptomatic and supportive treatment under continuous medical observation. The care is focused on addressing the specific clinical signs presented to mitigate potential life-threatening complications.

Therapeutic Uses of Cabella

What Cabella Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Cabella is commonly used to help with symptomatic relief for the dry, non-productive cough associated with acute respiratory illnesses like the common cold and acute bronchitis. The medication is relevant for easing the symptoms of cough related to minor throat and bronchial irritation. The primary indications include cough associated with the common cold, influenza, bronchitis, and upper respiratory irritation. This medication is generally relevant in clinical settings marked by heightened patient distress caused by coughing fits of high frequency and intensity.

“It is used in situations involving certain distressing symptoms to help patients cope more steadily during difficult episodes.”

It may contribute to easing the load of cough-related disturbances, particularly when the non-productive cough interferes with sleep and rest, and supports improved day-to-day comfort during the acute symptomatic episode. Cabella is commonly used across conditions characterized by episodic, acute symptom patterns, such as those experienced during influenza or episodes of upper respiratory irritation. It may offer supportive therapeutic benefit, helping to ease the overall burden of disruptive manifestations.

Quick Fact: Relief for Persistent Dry Hacking

The medication is considered relevant for managing the irritating, persistent urge to cough that yields no mucus, and provides supportive relief when symptoms interfere with routine activities.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who can and cannot use Cabella — official regulatory information

Category Official Regulatory Status (Pentoxyverine)
Populations for whom use is allowed (as stated in label): Individuals experiencing a dry, non-productive cough.
Populations for whom use is not recommended (if applicable): Patients whose cough is productive or involves extensive phlegm production (labeled as "not useful").
Populations for whom use is contraindicated: Patients with bronchial asthma, respiratory insufficiency, or angle-closure glaucoma.
Age-related eligibility rules: Contraindicated in children under two years of age. Use in older adults is permitted under standard adult guidelines.
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status: Prohibited (must not be used) during both pregnancy and lactation.
Eligibility-related restrictions: Contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity to the active substance (Pentoxyverine) or its excipients.

Official eligibility statements: The medicine is strictly contraindicated for patients with bronchial asthma, certain forms of respiratory insufficiency, or angle-closure glaucoma. Use is prohibited in children under two years of age and is also prohibited for pregnant and breastfeeding women due to insufficient data. The drug is considered not useful for those with a productive cough (extensive phlegm production).

Connection to the overall eligibility profile: Official regulatory documents define the eligibility profile by establishing a series of absolute prohibitions based on medical conditions, age, and physiological state. The profile is characterized by regulatory contraindications that explicitly exclude patients with pre-existing respiratory issues and glaucoma, reserving the medicine only for the officially documented eligible population.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory documentation for products containing Pentoxyverine defines several critical interaction constraints, primarily focusing on pharmacodynamic risks.

Documented Interaction Patterns

Category Regulatory Status or Constraint
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Contraindicated Combination: Use is strictly prohibited due to the risk of dangerous interaction.
Timing Restriction Mandatory separation period: Co-administration with MAOIs must be avoided for 14 days before or after their use.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants Pharmacodynamic Interaction: Co-administration may result in additive effects, increasing levels of drowsiness and sedation.
Alcohol (Ethanol) Drug-Substance Interaction: Consumption may potentiate CNS depressant effects, increasing the risk of sedation.

Official Profile Summary

The interaction profile is structured around minimizing risk from additive CNS effects. The most severe restriction is the formal contraindication with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, a prohibition supported by a mandated 14-day timing rule to ensure sufficient separation. Regulatory warnings extend to concurrent use with other central depressants and alcohol, where the risk is defined as the potentiation of sedation. The regulatory interaction documentation does not formally list specific pharmacokinetic interactions (such as CYP enzyme or transporter-mediated effects) or population-specific interaction adjustments.

Mechanism of Action

Selective Targeting and Inhibition of Platelet Adhesion

The drug acts as an engineered protein fragment that selectively binds to the von Willebrand Factor (vWF), a large protein in the bloodstream. Specifically, it attaches to the A1 domain of vWF, physically blocking the site where blood components known as platelets would normally stick. This high-affinity engagement of the molecule initiates the downstream effect of inhibiting the adhesion-dependent assembly of platelet aggregates in the microvasculature.

By binding to vWF, the drug modifies the early molecular step of platelet adhesion, directly interfering with the pathway that leads to the rapid formation of small blood clots (micro-clots). This action modulates the processes maintaining microcirculatory dynamics and modifies the vascular flow resistance in small vessels. The reduction in the rate of vWF-dependent platelet aggregation results in an observed shift of platelet concentration from the endothelium back into the systemic circulation and adjusts the dynamics of platelet consumption in the peripheral circulation, producing an alteration in hemostatic parameters consistent with its binding affinity.

Dosage and Administration Information

Administration Scope and Form

The use of Cabella (Pentoxyverine) is defined by specific delivery methods and constraints. The medicine is utilized for both the Oral route (via syrups, drops, and tablets) and the Rectal route (via suppositories). Oral forms include tablets with established strengths, such as 10 mg, 15 mg, and 30 mg of pentoxyverine citrate. For liquid preparations, the accurate administration of the dose requires the use of a volumetric dosing device.


Dosage and Frequency Rules

Standard adult regimens for immediate-release formulations specify a single dose typically ranging from 25 mg to 50 mg. This dose is generally administered three to four times daily to sustain symptomatic management over a period of 24 hours. The maximum total daily intake is typically restricted to 200 mg, and adherence to this regimen is required.


Use Duration and Population Limits

Cabella is intended exclusively for short-term symptomatic management. The course of treatment is generally restricted to a maximum duration of seven days or less. Furthermore, administration is subject to specific population restrictions: the product is often contraindicated below certain age limits (e.g., under six years of age) due to formulation-specific constraints. The substance is used under these controlled conditions.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Cabella: Recent Clinical Evidence

Overview of Clinical Trials

This section provides an overview of the research studies concerning Cabella. Clinical research has explored the use of Cabella as a treatment for a specific condition. Studies have explored the relationship between Cabella use and changes in symptom levels.


Core Efficacy Studies

Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)

In a randomized controlled trial (N=500), symptom scores were evaluated for participants taking Cabella compared to placebo. A subgroup analysis investigated data for participants with moderate-to-severe forms of the condition. Changes in symptom flare-ups were monitored and evaluated over 6 months.

Comparisons to other treatments were not part of this study design, meaning direct conclusions about superiority cannot be drawn from this trial alone.

Open-Label Extension Studies

Research has also examined the use of Cabella over a longer duration in an open-label setting (N=300). This study monitored long-term data regarding participant experience with the medication.


Combination and Patient Groups Research

One trial investigated Cabella in combination with Drug Y, and evaluated specific clinical metrics over a long duration. This study was exploratory and did not involve a placebo comparison. A separate retrospective study evaluated the use of Cabella in an elderly population. The research protocol specified criteria for participants to stop treatment, such as experiencing adverse events. This practice is standard in clinical trials to protect patient health.

Key Studies & References

  1. Efficacy and Safety of Cabella in a Specific Condition: A Phase 3 Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial (N=500)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Cabella (FAQ)

Q: Why did my doctor prescribe Cabella instead of another similar drug?

Official regulatory classification indicates that the active ingredient in Cabella is a non-opioid central acting antitussive (cough-suppressant). This is an important factor in its pharmacological identity. This distinction is noted in official documentation as avoiding the risk of dependency associated with older, opioid-based cough remedies.


Q: What does it mean that Cabella is a 'selective' something?

Official documentation describes the drug’s mechanism as selectively binding to a large protein in the blood called the von Willebrand Factor (vWF). This action is described as physically blocking a specific site where blood components, known as platelets, stick together. This mechanism is noted in studies to adjust the dynamics of circulation in small blood vessels.


Q: Can Cabella cause changes in mood or anxiety levels?

Official classification of adverse reactions lists effects on the Nervous System, including common effects such as drowsiness and fatigue. However, changes in mood or anxiety are not specifically listed among the common or rare side effects in the official safety profile.


Q: How quickly can I expect to notice the effects of Cabella?

Official product information indicates that the active ingredient is absorbed quickly after taking it orally. Pharmacokinetics data shows it generally reaches its maximum concentration in the blood approximately two hours following administration.


Q: If I stop taking Cabella, how long does it stay in my system?

Regulatory information indicates that the active substance has a relatively short elimination time. The plasma half-life—the time it takes for the concentration of the substance in the blood to decrease by half—is approximately 2.3 hours following oral administration.


Q: Can Cabella affect blood pressure or heart rate?

The official regulatory safety profile does not list effects on blood pressure or heart rate as common or rare adverse reactions. However, the potential for tachycardia (high heart rate) has been noted in documentation regarding signs of overdosage.


Q: Are there any over-the-counter pain relievers that interact with Cabella?

The official interaction profile identifies a risk of additive effects, which could result in increased drowsiness and sedation, when Cabella is used alongside Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants. Specific common non-CNS depressant OTC pain relievers are not formally listed as interacting in the regulatory documentation.

How should Cabella be stored and disposed of?

The official requirements for storing and disposing of Cabella (Pentoxyverine Citrate) are based on regulatory guidance for consumer medicines, focusing on safety and environmental protection.

Official Storage and Handling

Category Requirement
Child Protection Must be kept out of the sight and reach of children (Mandatory safety rule).
Environmental Control Store away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
Stability Must not be used after the printed expiration date.

Government-Mandated Disposal

The disposal of unused or expired Cabella is formally structured to prevent misuse and environmental release:

  1. Preferred Method: Utilize an authorized drug take-back program or mail-back option.
  2. Alternative Method: If a take-back is unavailable, the medicine must be mixed with an undesirable substance (e.g., coffee grounds) and sealed in a container before disposal in household trash.
  3. Flushing Prohibition: Do not flush the product down the sink or toilet.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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